Players were signed and released, but all anyone in the NFL still wanted to talk about yesterday was Elvis Dumervil and the fateful fax.

The fallout continued from Friday’s bizarre paperwork debacle that forced the Broncos to cut their Pro Bowl defensive end, with Dumervil firing his agent and Denver’s steamed management hinting it plans to move on without him.

Dumervil, whose attempt to agree to a restructured deal with the Broncos fell through apparently because agent Marty Magid’s fax machine wasn’t fast enough to meet the NFL’s strict deadline, reportedly replaced him with super agent Tom Condon in hopes of repairing the damage.

The NFL Players Association also weighed in, with union chief DeMaurice Smith saying the embarrassing affair — which will result in the Broncos carrying nearly $5 million in “dead money” against their salary cap this season — needs to be investigated.

Dumervil is now a free agent who will command interest from other teams, but he reportedly told confidants yesterday he wants to return to Denver.

Whether he will get that chance is a different story. Broncos president John Elway was so upset about the fax incident Friday he said he needed time to “cool off,” and league sources said Elway thinks it might be best to turn the page.

Also up in the air — still — is the destination of Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Long, who continues to hold up the market at his position while he mulls a reported offer from the Rams against a return to the Dolphins. Long is back in Miami after a lengthy negotiating session with St. Louis, and league sources say a decision could come as soon as today as owners arrive in Phoenix for the annual league meetings.

The Patriots also waived wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, though the enigmatic Lloyd might return on a cheaper deal.

Talib, 27, had been considered the most talented cornerback in free agency, but had to settle for a one-year, reported $5 million deal because of a glut of corners available in free agency and the draft this year.

The contract gives Talib a chance to earn a richer deal next year in free agency with a big season and by showing he can stay out of trouble off the field.The Patriots weren’t the only team working on their secondary.

The 49ers also addressed a big hole by signing Rams safety Craig Dahl to a three-year deal in hopes of easing the departure of star safety Dashon Goldson to the Buccaneers earlier this week.